City Issues: Why Do You Love Your Neighborhood?

San Antonians weigh in

Interviews By Marissa Rodriguez

Photo Courtesy McNay Art Museum

SA2020 defines San Antonio’s goal neighborhoods as having “compelling and unique personalities.” We wanted to know what residents think define the unique aspects of where they live, so we asked a few to tell us:

What do you love about your neighborhood?

“Change has been good to the neighborhood over the past 20 years. Now, we have a first-class museum, the park is pretty unique, the Botanical Garden is being built up, and new people are coming in with a lot of love for the neighborhood. The current and the new communities are all for making it better.” Silvia Alcaraz, Mahncke Park

“I do like that even though Loop 410 is blocks from my house, it doesn’t feel that way. My neighborhood is very quiet and family-friendly, but still feels diverse. You feel safe and it’s very central. Even though it is the city of Castle Hills, you very much feel like you are in San Antonio. That’s important to me, to still feel in tune to the city, but step away from the hustle and bustle when I need to.” Byrdie Franco, Castle Hills

“I fell in love with The Dominion when I first drove over the entrance bridge and part of (the reason for) that is the beauty of The Dominion. It’s very nicely landscaped; we’ve got lakes, we’ve got parks, we’ve got walking trails, we’ve got a country club with a great golf course. On top of all of that there is the community itself. We have a new resident cocktail party every six months. We have Fiesta events and a fall bonfire, runs, bring doggie to the park events, Halloween trunk-or-treat, food trucks, movies at the park, and for many, it is a great way to meet new people. I’ve lived all over the country—east, west, north and south—and I have never been in a community as friendly and as welcoming. It’s a wonderful place.” Jeff Lewis, The Dominion

“Before we had children, my husband and I could jump on a bike and be in King William, we could walk to Hemisfair, we could go to the river, we could walk to have dinner downtown. That was important, but now the best part of my neighborhood is the community. I know most of my neighbors. We have an eclectic group of people from retired teachers, current and ex-police officers, to people who work at CPS and SAWS and people who have close ties to downtown. We know each other, watch out for each other and try to be helpful to each other.” Lilliana Gonzalez, Historic Gardens

“I bought the house that I grew up in. My neighbors who had lived there since my parents lived there, their children have bought their house. So, I am still around my childhood friends, and we are all pretty close. It’s like one big family.” April Mae Monterrosa, South San Antonio